MELISSA'S POV
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at the Hilter's mansion
"Doctor is she gonna be okay?" I heard a familiar voice say.
I opened my eyes groggily only to shut it almost immediately as the white light caused a sharp pain to shoot through my eyes.
'where I'm I?' I wondered.
"She's okay but, I have to monitor her carefully to know if she'd need more blood." A voice replied, probably the doctor.
"What about her leg?" The first voice asked.
The question caused me to try to lift up my legs and found out that my right leg hurt terribly.
"Uhmm… she…" the doctor seemed hesitant to say but the pain from attempting to lift my right leg caused me to yelp, interrupting him.
" Oh my goodness! Melissa you're awake." The first voice said and rushed towards me, holding my hand and bending over me.
The scent seemed familiar and I opened my eyes slowly, " Dad!" I said, attempting to sit up and hug him.
" Hey, easy dear." My dad said, leaning in for a hug.
"You came for me?" I asked, a pinch of relief in my voice as tears of gratitude welled up my eyes.
"Yes I had to, not after seeing Devon in such a sta…"
" Wait! Devon is alive?" I asked, surprised.
" What do you mean he's alive? Was he supposed to be dead?" My dad asked curiously.
" How is he, dad?" I asked, my voice full of concern and worry.
"He's in the hospital."
"Thank goodness he didn't actually get his goons to kill him, I… thought he shot hi…m." I stuttered, breaking into tears in my dad's arms.
"Hey, it's alright. You take some rest, I'd make sure you're safe here, we'll talk later." My dad said as he let go of me slowly and made to stand up.
Holding onto his hands I said,"I'm sorry dad, I know I fai…"
"This conversation is put on hold until you've recovered." My dad said, shaking off my hand and walking out without even looking at me.
My dad wasn't one who loved to show his emotions and I guessed he was going out to vent his anger on a punching bag in his room.
"I'd leave for now, I have a call at office." The doctor said.
"Can I have a second?" I asked .
"Okay?"
"How long have I been unconscious and where I'm I?" I asked, curiously.
"You've passed out for about three days now, and…"
" What?" I asked, astound.
" Yes, you've been unconscious for three days because you lost a lot of blood. And you're in one of your father's mansions." The doctor said.
" Okay, you may go now." I said still puzzled.
Days blurred together, and I was left alone in my room, with only the doctor's occasional visits to break the monotony. My dad's absence hurt the most; I longed to see him, to know he cared. Loneliness consumed me, and I turned to Nicholas, my dad's right-hand man, for comfort.
"Nicholas, what's going on?" I asked, my voice laced with desperation. "Why can't I leave this room? And where's my dad?"
Nicholas sighed, his expression sympathetic. "Your dad's busy with business, and the Grants have been acting up. He's ensuring your safety, but I know it's hard. As for leaving, the doctor wants you to rest and recover fully and we don't want anyone knowing of your whereabouts."
The doctor entered, carrying a tray with my medication. "Time for your meds, dear. How are you feeling today?"
"Lonely," I admitted, taking the pills. "And worried. What's happening in the mafia? And the government?"
The doctor hesitated, glancing at Nicholas, who nodded. "Someone is giving the government information about the Hilter's, and while your father is trying to handle these issues, the Grants are taking advantage of this and are stepping up their game. But your dad's working hard to resolve things."
I swallowed the pills, feeling a mix of fear and gratitude. "Thank you, Doctor. And Nicholas, please tell my dad I need to see him. I can't take this isolation anymore. Or at least I could be given a wheelchair or a permanent nurse that I could talk with."
Nicholas nodded, his eyes understanding. "I'll pass on your message, but be patient. Your safety comes first."
"Nicholas, any news about Devon?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"Ah, yes! He's been discharged and is doing well," Nicholas replied with a warm smile.
"In fact, he's planning to visit you by the weekend."
My face lit up with excitement. "Finally!" I exclaimed, my heart racing with anticipation.
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friday evening
I had been counting the days until Devon's visit, and now that it was finally within sight, I couldn't wait. Tuesday seemed like an eternity ago, and I was eager to see my cousin and confidant.
"Devon will definitely convince my dad to let me out of this place," I thought to myself, as I looked at my face in the mirror.
My dad had made provision for a permanent nurse for me and she had helped me prepare.
"You look like you're going on a date!" a familiar voice teased, making me turn with a smile.
"Devon!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in surprise. I thought you were...!" I choked back the words, relief washing over me as Devon approached my bed with a warm grin.
"Oh my God, I thought you were shot by that bastard's goons!" I cried, tears of joy streaming down my face as Devon enveloped me in a gentle hug.
"Hey, cuz, I'm alright," he reassured me, his voice filled with warmth. "I'm sorry for putting you in trouble," I apologized, feeling a mix of guilt and gratitude.
"Hey, it's fine," Devon said, his hand ruffling my hair. "I'd die for my pretty strong cousin anytime." We both burst out laughing, the tension and fear melting away in that moment.
"So, how was your trip here?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.
Devon grinned mischievously. "Oh, it was a blast. I was followed, but I managed to shake them off my tail. I'm like a ninja, cuz!" He chuckled proudly.
I laughed, impressed by his resourcefulness. "That's my Devon!"
I started to ask another question, " Are you…" but my words caught in my throat as sudden gunshots echoed outside our room. Our eyes met, and Devon's expression turned serious.